Visual Resources for the Lectionaries

This post offers visual resources for the Revised Common Lectionary and the Narrative Lectionary for July 5, 2026. Use this chart for quick links to the texts and the resource pages on cartoonistbible.com.

Proper 9

CLICK HERE to jump to the Narrative Lectionary Resources

This Fourth of July marks the 250th birthday of the U.S.A. How do you preach a sermon on the weekend of Independence Day in the United States of America? As a pastor of 30+ years I have faced this challenge many times. read the post…

Revised Common Lectionary Resources

Gospel Reading – Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

This image is from page 8 in A Cartoonist’s Guide to Matthew

Food for Thought

I see a theme in the readings this week that might work nicely with the celebration of Independence Day in the USA. The readings remind us that we are weak and bound to fail when we think we can do things on our own. God invites us to trust in the steadfast love of God to provide our needs. Isaac depends on God to find Rebekah to be his wife and Rebekah trusts God’s choice for her. The prophet Zechariah reminds Israel that God will deliver them from their oppression. Paul reminds his readers that we are weak in our own flesh and need the power of the Holy Spirit to walk in freedom. Jesus calls out the pride of the cities that rejected his disciples and invites all who are weak and weary to take his yoke upon them. He will give them rest.

These words speak directly against the myth of independence and self-reliance that is often promoted during our celebration of Independence in the USA. Every person, organization, and government that thinks it is self-sufficient, above others, and looks out only for its own interests is destined for failure. The truth of God’s creation is that we are all intertwined in an interdependent relationship.

May we be a people that declares with Psalm 145 that: 

The LORD is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

The LORD is good to all,

and his compassion is over all that he has made.

Let us make a Declaration of Interdependence.

Narrative Lectionary Resources

Esther 7:1-10, 9:1-2, 20-22, 29-32

Food for Thought

The Narrative Lectionary concludes the two-part series on Esther this week. Esther’s courage offers protection for the Jews who live in exile. This event is celebrated with the festival of Purim. Read Kathryn Schifferdecker’s commentary HERE.

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